This is a reply to # 1,418,412

I think it is a matter of viable pH range and how far from it a solution is, also related with concentration. So the purer and the more concentrated alcohol will be, the stronger its effect will be. I don’t think that anything will grow in pure alcohol. Similarly with very alkaline solutions like clorox, ammonia … pH of Clorox is near 12. pH of pickling lime water around 9 or 10.

 

The best example is blood. Its pH must be a very limited range or else, below the range or above the range, one will die.

 

Alcohols exert their germicidal activity by denaturing bacterial proteins. In the absence of water, proteins are not readily denatured by alcohol and therefore a 70% solution of isopropyl alcohol is a much more effective sanitizer than the pure (99%) product. Isopropyl alcohol is capable of killing most bacteria within 5 minutes of exposure but is ineffective against spores and has limited virucidal activity. The main disadvantages towards the use of isopropyl alcohol is that it is flammable, and can not be diluted as quats or iodophors can and therefore is relatively expensive to use.

 

Alcohols

 

(a) Alcohols work best as 70 to 99% mixtures with water

(b) Alcohol-water mixtures are additionally more penetrating than pure alcohols

(c) Either ethanol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol may be employed for disinfecting

(d) Alcohols are especially appropriate for application to sites in which their propensity to evaporate away is convenient (e.g., to disinfect skin prior to injection)

(e) The down side of alcohols is that they are not terribly penetrating nor capable of killing endospores or other resistant cells

(f) Alcohols should not be applied to wounds since they can cause tissue damage

 

"You can use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your kitchen counters, produce and even your cutting boards. All you need is three percent hydrogen peroxide, the type you buy at the drug store, vinegar (white or apple cider), and two clean sprayers, like the kind you use to mist plants. Fill each sprayer separately, one with peroxide and the other with vinegar (don't mix them together in one bottle - that makes peracetic acid, which isn't safe and can give you a bad chemical burn). Spritz the item you want to disinfect, first with hydrogen peroxide and then with vinegar, then rinse off under running water. University tests show that this technique killed more potentially lethal bacteria, including Salmonella, Shigella, and even E. coli, than chlorine bleach or any commercially available kitchen cleaner."

 

For more detailed information, see Judy Stouffer's article:

 

 

 

Hydrogen peroxide is the world's most natural effective sanitizer. Why? Because it is the only anti-germicidal agent composed entirely of water and oxygen.

 

The chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide is H202, and the body produces it naturally when in a state of optimal health. When the body becomes weak or diseased, it is unable to produce the high amounts of H202 needed to kill off infection and when the body is unable to fight off infection, disease results.

 

H202 works by creating an environment of intensive oxidation, which can be described as a type of chemical reaction which causes the breakdown of organic substances. H202 is vital for maintaining the body's natural health. In fact, the effectiveness of penicillin is related to its capacity to rejuvenate the level of H202 in the body. In essence, penicillin works by helping the body build up enough H202 to fight off bacteria and viruses. Most harmful bacteria are anaerobic, which means they can not survive in a highly oxygenated environment.

 

Newer research suggests that we need certain levels of hydrogen peroxide in order to facilitate normal chemical reactions and to maintain the proper balance of good bacteria in our system. Good bacteria are generally aerobic, which means they will function well in oxygen rich environments.

 

Aside from the health benefits of hydrogen peroxide, there are many other uses for this "wonder" compound. Anecdotal information suggests that hydrogen peroxide can be used all over the house, in the following ways:

 

1) To clean and sanitize the kitchen. Use a 3% solution to refresh counters and sanitize lunch boxes.

 

2) To clean vegetables and fruits. Add 1/4 cup of H2O2 to a sink of cold water. Add vegetables and fruits wash thoroughly and rinse with cool water. This will prolong the freshness and taste.

 

3) Wound care. Bathing or misting a wound with hydrogen peroxide will help clean it while it speeds healing.

 

4) For your toothbrush. Soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide between uses will keep it clean and prevent transfer of germs. This would be particularly helpful when your or someone in your family has a cold or the flu.

 

5) As an astringent. Dabbing hydrogen peroxide on pimples or acne will have you on your way to clearer skin.

 

These are just a few of the many ways you can use hydrogen peroxide in and around your home. There are many others. Some people swear that ingestion of small amounts of food grade, diluted hydrogen peroxide provides complete body cleansing. (But only do this under a doctor's supervision). People also use it to help household plants grow, and to sprout seeds for new plantings. The variety and possible uses make hydrogen peroxide a "must-have" for a well stocked house.

 

No matter how you choose to use it, it's clear that regular use of H202 will keep your house fresh and your family healthy.

 

For more on H2O2 you can search my posts, I have several post linking to a many web pages.

 

Cheers

 

WIEL